Meet the 'butt goal'

A new phrase may be entering the sports lexicon. It’s not likely that Mike Smith will be a fan of it, though.

The Phoenix goaltender surrendered the game-winning overtime goal in a 2-1 loss to the Buffalo Sabres Monday night when an airborne puck landed in the back of his jersey — nearly falling into his pants — without Smith knowing.

Smith came out to challenge Buffalo’s Mark Pysyk, poking the puck into the air. When Smith backed into the net in a natural goaltending move, the puck was carried across the goal line, and the referees signaled that the Sabres had scored.

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After the game, Smith had some humor, telling ProHockeyTalk writer Joe Yerdon, “It’s an honest game and if you don’t play how you’re supposed to play … you get it jammed right up your butt.”